The Property and Facilities Division is responsible for managing pests, including:

  • cockroaches
  • fleas
  • wasps
  • bees
  • feral or stray cats
  • ants
  • birds
  • possums
  • rats and mice
  • spiders
  • snakes
  • dead animals
  • silverfish
  • termites
  • rabbits
  • deer
  • bird lice.

Early reporting of pest issues is important, to avoid negative impacts and reduce maintenance costs.

If you suspect termite activity, log a job with P&F immediately and do not disturb the area.

Pest control strategy

We aim to reduce the negative impact of pests on teaching and research activities while preserving the diversity and natural balance of animal life, and restricting pesticide use.

Good housekeeping:

  • Regular cleaning reduces the build up of materials that may provide food or shelter to pests
  • Ensuring that food scraps are placed in the allocated bins in kitchen areas and lunch rooms
  • Efficient waste management, including clearing waste daily.

Regular monitoring:

  • Departmental staff report sightings of pests or indications that pests are present
  • Cleaners report sightings of pest or pest droppings
  • Pest monitoring stations are established in areas of higher sensitivity or where problems have previously occurred.

Laboratory requirements:

  • Laboratory managers can request suitable pest control plans to meet the particular needs of their research program or regulatory requirements.
  • Monitoring stations for PC2 Labs are supplied by pest contractors when requested, and should be monitored by departmental staff every 3 months.